Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast

Re-Thinking Faith - Advent Retreat - Fostering A Contemplative Attitude Part 1

Re-TF | E03 | Keep awake and stay alert. These advent themes invite us to foster and develop what is known as a Contemplative Attitude - a particular way of being within the world that is 'highly tuned' to the presence of Christ in our midst. In this part one of a two-part Advent retreat, Deacon Eric reflects on this call to keep watch and how we might foster a contemplative attitude this Advent this week on Thinking Faith!

Miller High School Q&A: Angels, Demons, Purgatory, and do we all worship the same God?

| TF S03 E12 | In this episode of Thinking Faith, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to questions from grade 9 and 10 students at Miller Catholic High School. They dive into topics such as the nature of purgatory, offering metaphors and practical examples to help understand the process of purification. They explain how angels, including fallen angels, fit into Christian theology, touching on the distinctions between angels and humans. Finally, they tackle the question of whether Muslims, Christians, and Catholics serve the same God, exploring the nuances and commonalities in beliefs about God across these faiths. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:47 Opening the Email Bag02:04 First Question: What is Purgatory Like?02:36 Understanding Purgatory Through Metaphors04:09 The Process of Purgatory in Life11:46 Protestant Perspectives on Purgatory20:10 Next Question: Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Beings23:39 The Rejection of the Material by Fallen Angels24:34 God's Presence in the Material World26:45 The Role of Angels in Understanding Humanity27:52 Do Angels Do Math?30:12 Comparative Religion: Do Muslims, Christians, and Catholics Serve the Same God?38:51 Understanding the Relationship Between Catholics and Other Christians43:34 Engaging with Questions from Young People44:15 Conclusion and Blessings

Miller High School Q&A: Jesus’ words, who gets to heaven, faith and science, and more.

| S03 E11 | In this Thinking Faith Q&A episode, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld answer questions from grade nine and ten students at Miller Catholic High School in Regina about faith, Scripture, and salvation. This week, they explore how to discern when Jesus speaks literally or symbolically, and whether anyone can be certain of heaven, offering a hopeful perspective on faith, mercy, and trust in God.This podcast is made possible by your generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal: https://bit.ly/ArchReginaGiving202500:00 Introduction and Overview05:08 Classroom Questions06:33 Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretation11:35 The Bread of Life Discourse18:58 Trust and Understanding22:30 How can we know we're going to heaven?25:16 Understanding God's Mercy and Judgment26:59 The Concept of Final Judgment27:33 Particular vs. Final Judgment28:36 Hope and Confidence in Salvation30:35 The Question of Hell31:55 Rationalizing Evil Deeds36:10 Faith and Science: Creation and the Big Bang37:19 Interpreting Genesis and Scientific Theories46:52 The Role of Faith and Science in Understanding Creation48:54 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Navigating Faith, Free Will, and Sin – St. Jerome’s, Hyattsville Q&A - Part 3

| S03 E10 | This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to more thoughtful questions from the St. Jerome’s Youth Group in Hyattsville, Maryland.Together, they explore some of the most profound mysteries of Christian faith — free will, sin, and God’s purpose for humanity. Why would God create people knowing they would sin? How essential is free will to genuine love and faith? What does redemption reveal about the worth of every human being?Drawing from theology, personal experience, and pastoral ministry, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett reflect on how young people can grow in faith through both questions and community.This podcast is made possible by your generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal: https://bit.ly/ArchReginaGiving202504:29 Podcast Questions07:31 The Story of Mary and Joseph10:21 Moral Complexities and Sin29:35 The Silence of God in Jephthah's Story30:45 The Goodness of Creation and Human Life32:12 The Value of Human Existence Despite Sin34:08 Parental Perspective on Sin and Goodness37:22 Freedom and Authentic Love38:32 The Role of Freedom in Human Goodness44:36 AI and the Future of Human Good46:09 The Inevitability of Sin and God's Response53:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

TF | S03 E09

Machines, Minds, and Meaning: Catholic Reflections on Artificial Intelligence - Part 1

| S03 E08 | This week on Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and personhood through the lens of a Catholic anthropology.Drawing on personal experiences with ChatGPT and what the Large Language Model has to say about itself, they reflect on what these interactions reveal about what it means to be human and what it doesn’t. Together, they unpack the theological, ethical, and philosophical implications of rapidly advancing AI technology through the lens of Catholic teaching on the human person, reason, and the soul.

Sebastian Gomes on Pope Francis’ Vision For A Synodal Church

| S03 E07 | In anticipation of his keynote address at the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) Convention in Regina on Thursday, October 23, Sebastian Gomes, Executive Editor of Audio and Video at America Magazine and former producer at Salt + Light Media, joins Deacon Eric Gurash on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast.
 
Drawing on more than a decade of experience reporting on the Catholic Church, Sebastian reflects on Pope Francis’ vision for a synodal Church, the roots of synodality in Vatican II, and what this means for parishes and Catholic health care ministries here in Saskatchewan.
 
Find out more about Mr. Gomes' two public speaking engagements in Saskatchewan at the following links:
 
https://chassk.ca/
 
https://archregina.sk.ca/event/a-place-for-everyone-how-pope-francis-ignited-the-churchs-mission-to-serve-people-over-ideas/
 
https://archregina.sk.ca/event/implementing-the-synod-on-synodality-reflections-and-challenges-with-sebastian-gomes/

A New Wave of Catholic Conversions? - Part 2

| S03 | E06 | In Part 2 of this two-part series of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their exploration of the rise in Catholic conversions across North America and Western Europe. Building on last week’s conversation, they dig deeper into the personal, cultural, and spiritual factors inspiring people to enter the Catholic Church today.

A New Wave of Catholic Conversions? - Part 1

| S03 | E05 | Across North America and Western Europe, Catholic conversions are on the rise. In this episode of the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld explore what’s driving this trend — from the global pandemic and declining trust in institutions to the influence of online voices and the Church’s unique appeal to young men.Discover the factors behind this growing movement and what it means for the future of the Catholic Church.

Catholic Faith, Suicide Prevention & MAiD: Mercy, Hope, and Moral Questions (Part 2)

TF | S03 E04 | In this follow-up episode of Thinking Faith: The Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld continue their conversation on suicide, mental health, and the Catholic Church’s teaching, turning to the complex issues of suicide prevention and medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. Together, they explore the moral and theological dimensions of euthanasia, mental illness, mortal sin, and purgatory, while grounding the discussion in the Church’s call to mercy, compassion, and accompaniment. Personal stories and pastoral experiences offer insight into how families and communities can engage these sensitive realities with faith and hope.If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a loved one, please know you are not alone. In Canada, you can dial or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline anytime, day or night. If you are outside Canada, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services for immediate assistance.#CatholicPodcast #SuicidePrevention #MAiD #MentalHealth #CatholicFaith #ThinkingFaith #Call988 #YouAreNotAlone00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:53 Discussing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)01:18 Personal Experiences and Church Teachings02:31 The Complexity of Church Teachings on Mortal Sin06:23 Legal and Moral Implications of Assisted Suicide11:46 Critiquing Civil Documentation and Human Freedom13:51 Euthanasia Laws and Suicide Prevention14:53 The Complexity of Suffering and Autonomy15:35 Societal Implications and Suicide Hotlines15:49 Robin Williams and the Narrative of Freedom17:29 Praying for Those Who Have Taken Their Lives17:53 Resources for Coping with Suicide18:40 The Doctrine of Purgatory and God's Mercy20:29 The Healing Experience of Purgatory23:11 Personal Reflections on Conversion and Purgatory25:25 The Intersection of Justice and Mercy26:06 Final Thoughts and Suicide Prevention Month